EP1602224A1 - Wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling and method therefore - Google Patents

Wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling and method therefore

Info

Publication number
EP1602224A1
EP1602224A1 EP04702016A EP04702016A EP1602224A1 EP 1602224 A1 EP1602224 A1 EP 1602224A1 EP 04702016 A EP04702016 A EP 04702016A EP 04702016 A EP04702016 A EP 04702016A EP 1602224 A1 EP1602224 A1 EP 1602224A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wireless
wireless terminal
communication link
accessory
audio
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04702016A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jim Panian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sony Mobile Communications AB
Original Assignee
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB filed Critical Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
Publication of EP1602224A1 publication Critical patent/EP1602224A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6075—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle
    • H04M1/6083—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle by interfacing with the vehicle audio system
    • H04M1/6091—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle by interfacing with the vehicle audio system including a wireless interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
    • H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56—Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/385—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
    • H04B2001/3866—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets carried on the head

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wireless communication devices and, more particularly, to wireless communication devices that support handsfree operation.
  • BluetoothTM wireless technology has been implemented to provide a bidirectional wireless audio communication link between a handsfree accessory and a cellular phone.
  • a driver of a vehicle may utilize a BluetoothTM compatible. headset 10 to conduct a private telephone call with a remote call recipient.
  • This telephone call may initially be established as an incoming or outgoing call using a wireless terminal 20.
  • a bidirectional wireless audio communication link 30 may be established between the wireless terminal 20 and the headset 10.
  • the control signal may be automatically generated within the wireless terminal 20 in response to preconfigured settings or the control signal may be generated in response to action by the driver.
  • the driver may initially access the wireless terminal through its keypad and display in order to set up the link 30 once the call has been established.
  • FIG. 1A of the O27 patent illustrates a BluetoothTM enabled mobile cellular handset D 0 that operates as a "master" device in a piconet that includes a plurality of BluetoothTM enabled “slave” devices D 2 -D n .
  • a group conference call may be achieved by initially establishing a call between the master device D 0 and a first call recipient D This first call may require the use of a base station 12 located in proximity to the master device D 0 .
  • This first call recipient is then placed on hold while a series of additional group members are contacted individually and placed on hold until all members of a call group have been properly contacted. Once all members have been properly contacted, the "on-hold" condition associated with each member of the group is released and the group conference call is commenced.
  • Wireless communication systems can include a wireless terminal that is configured to support private and conference calling in a handsfree environment, such as a vehicle environment.
  • Typical wireless terminals include cellular telephones and PCS and PDA handsets, for example.
  • a wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling includes a wireless terminal having both private and conference call capability.
  • the wireless terminal is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based user headset and a vehicle-based conference accessory.
  • This conference accessory may be a handsfree accessory that is permanently mounted or integrated within the vehicle.
  • the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to the conference accessory. This transfer operation may be made in response to a first command, such as a voice command from a driver of the vehicle. This first command may also be entered into the wireless terminal using conventional techniques (e.g., keypad entry using a menu-based display).
  • the wireless terminal is further configured to support uninterrupted return of the first wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset. This return operation may be made in response to a second command, which may also be a voice command.
  • the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link may be established as a spread spectrum (e.g., 2.4 GHZ spectrum), frequency hopping, full-duplex signal that hops at 1 MHz intervals.
  • a wireless communication system for private and conference calling includes a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a handsfree accessory and a conference accessory.
  • the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to convert a first bidirectional wireless audio communication link, which extends between the wireless terminal and the handsfree accessory, into a second bidirectional wireless audio communication link, which extends between the wireless terminal and the conference accessory. This conversion operation may be performed in response to a first command.
  • the wireless terminal is also configured to terminate the second bidirectional wireless audio communication link and reestablish the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link. These operations may be responsive to a second command.
  • Additional embodiments of the present invention include a wireless terminal that is configured to support wireless communication with first and second handsfree (or handheld) accessories.
  • the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to generate an outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the first accessory and simultaneously generate an alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the second accessory.
  • This alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link may be a format that is compatible with devices that do not generate acoustic signals. For example, devices such as printers and displays or other devices that support communication with a hearing- impaired member of a conference call may be used.
  • Still further embodiments of the present invention include a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a plurality of vehicle-based audio accessories having different call priorities.
  • the wireless terminal includes a communication control circuit that is configured to at least periodically monitor an active/inactive state of a first one of the plurality of audio accessories (e.g., headset) having a highest call priority.
  • the control circuit is further configured to automatically switch an active bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the first one of the plurality of audio accessories to a second one of the plurality of audio accessories having a next highest call priority (e.g., conference accessory) upon detection that the first one of the plurality of audio accessories has become inactive.
  • the control circuit is also configured to automatically switch the active bidirectional wireless audio communication link back from the second one of the plurality of audio accessories back to the first one of the plurality of audio accessories upon detection that the first one of the plurality of audio accessories has become active again. In this manner, it is not necessary to generate a voice command or manually access the wireless terminal in order to have the terminal switch back and forth from one audio accessory to another audio accessory.
  • the first one of the plurality of audio accessories may be a vehicle-based headset and the second one of the plurality of audio accessories may be a vehicle-based conference accessory.
  • the communication control circuit may also include programmable storage elements that are configured to retain the call priorities and enable reordering of the high-to-low call priority hierarchy, if necessary.
  • Embodiments that use call priorities to facilitate audio link switching also include a wireless terminal having a communication control circuit therein that is configured to detect an active-to-inactive transition (i.e., on-to-off transition) of a first one of the plurality of accessories having a highest priority and is further configured to automatically switch an active wireless communication link from the first one of the plurality of accessories to a second one of the plurality of accessories having a next highest priority upon detection of the active-to-inactive transition.
  • the control circuit is also configured to detect an inactive-to-active transition (i.e., off-to-on transition) of the first one of the plurality of accessories. When this transition is detected, the control circuit operates to automatically switch the active wireless communication link from the second one of the plurality of accessories back to the first one of the plurality of accessories.
  • Still further embodiments of the present invention include methods of conducting a private conversation with the remote call recipient using a vehicle-based headset that communicates with a wireless terminal using a bidirectional wireless audio communication link.
  • An operation is then performed to switch from the private conversation to a public conference with the call recipient, by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to a vehicle-based handsfree conference accessory, using the wireless terminal as a switching node.
  • This redirecting operation is preferably performed without interruption of the call with the recipient.
  • an operation is performed to return to the private conversation by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset, again without interruption.
  • Figure 1 illustrates wireless communication between a headset and a wireless terminal, according to the prior art.
  • Figure 2 illustrates wireless communication between a headset and a wireless terminal and between a handsfree accessory and the wireless terminal, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a flow diagram of operations that illustrates methods of conducting a vehicle-based conference call with a remote call recipient according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram of the wireless terminal of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention now will be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
  • a wireless terminal 120 is illustrated as operating in a handsfree environment that includes a headset 100, as one handsfree accessory, and another handsfree accessory 110.
  • the handsfree accessory 110 may be treated as a conference accessory having speaker and microphone elements (not shown) therein. These elements may be of conventional design.
  • the conference accessory may be a handsfree accessory that is permanently mounted or integrated within the vehicle.
  • the wireless terminal 120 preferably operates as a switching node that supports a first bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130A to the headset 100.
  • This first communication link 130A may also be switched without interruption to the handsfree accessory 110 and thereby operate as a second bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130B, and vice versa. These switching operations are performed in response to respective commands, which may include voice or other commands.
  • respective commands which may include voice or other commands.
  • only one of the communication links is active at a time.
  • at least one of the communication links may be a non-audio signal.
  • the communication links 130A and 130B may also be established using BluetoothTM wireless technology. Accordingly, the communication links may be established as a spread spectrum (e.g., 2.4 GHZ spectrum), frequency hopping, full-duplex signals that hop at 1 MHz intervals.
  • FIG. 4 A detailed block diagram of the wireless terminal 120 of Figure 2 is illustrated in Figure 4.
  • the wireless terminal 120 is illustrated as including a portable housing 121, a keyboard/keypad 150, a display 140, a speaker 160, a microphone 162, a transceiver 124, and a memory 164 that is configured to communicate with a controller 170.
  • the transceiver 124 includes a transmitter circuit 126 and a receiver circuit 128, which, respectively, transmit outgoing radio frequency signals to a base station transceiver (not shown) and receive incoming radio frequency signals from the base station transceiver, via an antenna 122.
  • the radio frequency signals transmitted between the wireless terminal 120 and the base station transceiver may comprise both traffic and control signals (e.g., paging signals/messages for incoming calls), which are used to establish and maintain communication with another remote party or destination.
  • the transceiver 124 may further operate to provide signals to the I/O circuit 148.
  • wireless terminal may include a cellular radiotelephone with or without a multi-line display; a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile and data communications capabilities; and a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) that can include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet/intranet access, Web browser, organizer, calendar and/or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.
  • PCS Personal Communications System
  • PDA Personal Data Assistant
  • the controller 170 may include a speech/data processing circuit 176 as well as other functional modules not illustrated in Figure 4 but which will be understood to those of skill in the arts related to wireless communications including both data and voice communication support.
  • the speech/data processing circuit 176 may include components such as demodulators, decoders, interleavers and RF processor circuitry.
  • the controller 170 such as a microprocessor, microcontroller or similar data processing device, may execute program instructions stored in the memory 164, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), electrically erasable programmable read- only memory (EEPROM) or other storage device.
  • DRAM dynamic random access memory
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read- only memory
  • the transceiver 124, the speech/data processing circuit 176 and other components of the wireless terminal 120 may be implemented using a variety of hardware and software elements.
  • operations of the transceiver 124 and/or the speech/data processing circuit 176 may be implemented using special-purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and programmable logic devices such as gate arrays, and/or software or firmware running on a computing device such as a microprocessor, microcontroller or digital signal processor (DSP).
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • functions of the transceiver 124 and the other circuits shown in Figure 4 may be integrated in a single device, such as a single ASIC microprocessor, they may also be distributed among several devices.
  • circuits may also be combined in one or more devices, such as an ASIC, DSP, microprocessor or microcontroller.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • microprocessor microcontroller
  • circuits may use hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software and are generally referred to herein as "circuits.” As described more fully in U.S.
  • a feature use circuit (not shown), which may be disposed within the controller 170 of the wireless terminal 120, can be configured to collect telemetry data 166 for the wireless terminal 120.
  • the telemetry data 166 stored within the memory 164 is typically collected during normal operation of the wireless terminal 120.
  • the telemetry data 166 collected may include feature telemetry data, for example, ring tones, or performance telemetry data, for example, signal strength.
  • the wireless terminal 120 may also include a voice recognition device 147 that communicates with the controller 170. This voice recognition device
  • the voice recognition device 147 may be configured to detect and process voice commands detected by the wireless terminal 120.
  • the voice recognition device 147 may designed using conventional design techniques that are well known to those skilled in the art of voice recognition and signal processing.
  • a BluetoothTM chip set 146 is also provided within the wireless terminal
  • This chip set 146 which communicates with and is controlled by the controller 170, supports bidirectional wireless audio communication links with the headset 100 and handsfree accessory 110, as described herein.
  • the headset 100 and handsfree accessory 110 are also equipped with corresponding BluetoothTM technology components.
  • conventional technologies other than BluetoothTM technology may be implemented to establish the communication links illustrated by Figure 2. Accordingly, as illustrated and described above with respect to Figures
  • wireless communication systems include a wireless terminal 120.
  • This terminal 120 is configured to support private and conference calling in a handsfree environment, such as a vehicle environment.
  • the wireless terminal 120 may be configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based user headset 100 and a vehicle-based hands free accessory 110, such as a conference accessory.
  • the wireless terminal 120 operates as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130A from the headset 100 to the conference accessory. This transfer operation may be made in response to a first command, such as a voice command received by the voice recognition device 147.
  • This first command may also be entered into the wireless terminal 120 using conventional techniques (e.g., input via keypad entry using a menu-based display or a switch contact on the housing 121).
  • the wireless terminal 120 is further configured to support uninterrupted return of a wireless audio communication link 130B from the conference accessory to the headset 100. This return operation may be made in response to a second command, which may also be a voice command or other type of command.
  • Still further embodiments include a wireless terminal 120 that is configured to support wireless communication with first and second handsfree
  • the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to generate an outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the first accessory and simultaneously generate an alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the second accessory.
  • This alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link may be a format that is compatible with devices that do not generate acoustic signals. For example, devices such as printers, displays, or other devices that support communication with a hearing-impaired member of a conference call may be used as a handsfree accessory. Other configurations are also possible.
  • inventions 200 may include activating a wireless terminal within a vehicle, Block
  • These methods also include conducting a private conversation with the remote call recipient using a vehicle-based headset that communicates with a wireless terminal using a bidirectional wireless audio communication link, Block 230.
  • An operation is then performed to switch from the private conversation to a public conference with the call recipient. This is done by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to a vehicle-based handsfree conference accessory, using the wireless terminal as a switching node, Block 240. This redirecting operation is preferably performed in response to a command and without interruption of the ongoing call with the recipient.
  • an operation is performed to return to the private conversation by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset, again without interruption, Block 250. This operation to redirect the communication link is also performed in response to a command.
  • the wireless terminal 120 may operate in accordance with programmed call priorities between the various handsfree accessories (see, e.g., 100 and 110).
  • the wireless terminal 120 may be configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with accessories having different call priorities.
  • the controller 170 may include a communication control circuit that is configured to at least periodically monitor the active/inactive states of all the accessories and maintain communication with whatever active accessory has the highest call priority.
  • the headset 100 has a higher call priority relative to the handsfree accessory 110. This monitoring of the state of the highest priority accessory may be performed using components of the BluetoothTM chip set 146 that can detect when the headset 100 has been turned "on" and "off'.
  • the control circuit is further configured to automatically switch an active bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130A from the headset 100 to the handsfree accessory 110 upon detection that the headset 100 has been turned off.
  • the control circuit is also configured to automatically switch the active bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130B from the handsfree accessory 110 to the headset 100 upon detection that the headset 100 has been turned on. In this manner, it is not necessary for the driver of the vehicle to generate a voice command that can be detected over the conversation within the vehicle or manually access the wireless terminal 120 in order to have it switch back and forth from one audio accessory to another audio accessory.
  • the communication control circuit may be coupled to programmable storage elements (e.g., memory 164) that are configured to retain the call priorities and enable reordering of the high-to-low call priority hierarchy, if necessary.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

A wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling includes a wireless terminal (120) that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based user headset (100) and a vehicle-based conference accessory (110). The wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link (130A) from the headset to the conference accessory. This transfer may be made in response to a first command. The first bidirectional wireless audio communication link may be a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal.

Description

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE-BASED PRIVATE AND CONFERENCE CALLING AND METHOD;
THEREFOR
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to wireless communication devices and, more particularly, to wireless communication devices that support handsfree operation. Background of the Invention
Many municipalities require handsfree operation of a wireless terminal (e.g., cellular telephone) in a vehicle. To meet these requirements, Bluetooth™ wireless technology has been implemented to provide a bidirectional wireless audio communication link between a handsfree accessory and a cellular phone. For example, as illustrated by Figure 1 , a driver of a vehicle may utilize a Bluetooth™ compatible. headset 10 to conduct a private telephone call with a remote call recipient. This telephone call may initially be established as an incoming or outgoing call using a wireless terminal 20. Then, in response to a command or control signal, a bidirectional wireless audio communication link 30 may be established between the wireless terminal 20 and the headset 10. The control signal may be automatically generated within the wireless terminal 20 in response to preconfigured settings or the control signal may be generated in response to action by the driver. For example, the driver may initially access the wireless terminal through its keypad and display in order to set up the link 30 once the call has been established.
U.S. Patent No. 6,405,027 to Bell also discloses the use of Bluetooth™ technology to establish a wireless group conference call. In particular, FIG. 1A of the O27 patent illustrates a Bluetooth™ enabled mobile cellular handset D0 that operates as a "master" device in a piconet that includes a plurality of Bluetooth™ enabled "slave" devices D2-Dn. As illustrated by FIG. 3 of the O27 patent, a group conference call may be achieved by initially establishing a call between the master device D0 and a first call recipient D This first call may require the use of a base station 12 located in proximity to the master device D0. This first call recipient is then placed on hold while a series of additional group members are contacted individually and placed on hold until all members of a call group have been properly contacted. Once all members have been properly contacted, the "on-hold" condition associated with each member of the group is released and the group conference call is commenced.
Summary of the Invention Wireless communication systems according to embodiments of the present invention can include a wireless terminal that is configured to support private and conference calling in a handsfree environment, such as a vehicle environment. Typical wireless terminals include cellular telephones and PCS and PDA handsets, for example. In some embodiments, a wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling includes a wireless terminal having both private and conference call capability.
The wireless terminal is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based user headset and a vehicle-based conference accessory. This conference accessory may be a handsfree accessory that is permanently mounted or integrated within the vehicle. The wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to the conference accessory. This transfer operation may be made in response to a first command, such as a voice command from a driver of the vehicle. This first command may also be entered into the wireless terminal using conventional techniques (e.g., keypad entry using a menu-based display). The wireless terminal is further configured to support uninterrupted return of the first wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset. This return operation may be made in response to a second command, which may also be a voice command. In the event Bluetooth™ compatible technology is used, then the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link may be established as a spread spectrum (e.g., 2.4 GHZ spectrum), frequency hopping, full-duplex signal that hops at 1 MHz intervals.
In some other embodiments of the present invention, a wireless communication system for private and conference calling includes a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a handsfree accessory and a conference accessory. In this embodiment, the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to convert a first bidirectional wireless audio communication link, which extends between the wireless terminal and the handsfree accessory, into a second bidirectional wireless audio communication link, which extends between the wireless terminal and the conference accessory. This conversion operation may be performed in response to a first command. The wireless terminal is also configured to terminate the second bidirectional wireless audio communication link and reestablish the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link. These operations may be responsive to a second command.
Additional embodiments of the present invention include a wireless terminal that is configured to support wireless communication with first and second handsfree (or handheld) accessories. In this embodiment, the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to generate an outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the first accessory and simultaneously generate an alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the second accessory. This alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link may be a format that is compatible with devices that do not generate acoustic signals. For example, devices such as printers and displays or other devices that support communication with a hearing- impaired member of a conference call may be used.
Still further embodiments of the present invention include a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a plurality of vehicle-based audio accessories having different call priorities. The wireless terminal includes a communication control circuit that is configured to at least periodically monitor an active/inactive state of a first one of the plurality of audio accessories (e.g., headset) having a highest call priority. The control circuit is further configured to automatically switch an active bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the first one of the plurality of audio accessories to a second one of the plurality of audio accessories having a next highest call priority (e.g., conference accessory) upon detection that the first one of the plurality of audio accessories has become inactive. The control circuit is also configured to automatically switch the active bidirectional wireless audio communication link back from the second one of the plurality of audio accessories back to the first one of the plurality of audio accessories upon detection that the first one of the plurality of audio accessories has become active again. In this manner, it is not necessary to generate a voice command or manually access the wireless terminal in order to have the terminal switch back and forth from one audio accessory to another audio accessory. In these embodiments, the first one of the plurality of audio accessories may be a vehicle-based headset and the second one of the plurality of audio accessories may be a vehicle-based conference accessory. The communication control circuit may also include programmable storage elements that are configured to retain the call priorities and enable reordering of the high-to-low call priority hierarchy, if necessary.
Embodiments that use call priorities to facilitate audio link switching also include a wireless terminal having a communication control circuit therein that is configured to detect an active-to-inactive transition (i.e., on-to-off transition) of a first one of the plurality of accessories having a highest priority and is further configured to automatically switch an active wireless communication link from the first one of the plurality of accessories to a second one of the plurality of accessories having a next highest priority upon detection of the active-to-inactive transition. The control circuit is also configured to detect an inactive-to-active transition (i.e., off-to-on transition) of the first one of the plurality of accessories. When this transition is detected, the control circuit operates to automatically switch the active wireless communication link from the second one of the plurality of accessories back to the first one of the plurality of accessories.
Still further embodiments of the present invention include methods of conducting a private conversation with the remote call recipient using a vehicle-based headset that communicates with a wireless terminal using a bidirectional wireless audio communication link. An operation is then performed to switch from the private conversation to a public conference with the call recipient, by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to a vehicle-based handsfree conference accessory, using the wireless terminal as a switching node. This redirecting operation is preferably performed without interruption of the call with the recipient. Next, an operation is performed to return to the private conversation by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset, again without interruption.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 illustrates wireless communication between a headset and a wireless terminal, according to the prior art.
Figure 2 illustrates wireless communication between a headset and a wireless terminal and between a handsfree accessory and the wireless terminal, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flow diagram of operations that illustrates methods of conducting a vehicle-based conference call with a remote call recipient according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the wireless terminal of Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention now will be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to Figures 2-4. In Figure 2, a wireless terminal 120 is illustrated as operating in a handsfree environment that includes a headset 100, as one handsfree accessory, and another handsfree accessory 110. In a wireless communication system adapted for vehicle use, the handsfree accessory 110 may be treated as a conference accessory having speaker and microphone elements (not shown) therein. These elements may be of conventional design. In some cases, the conference accessory may be a handsfree accessory that is permanently mounted or integrated within the vehicle. As described more fully hereinbelow, the wireless terminal 120 preferably operates as a switching node that supports a first bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130A to the headset 100. This first communication link 130A may also be switched without interruption to the handsfree accessory 110 and thereby operate as a second bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130B, and vice versa. These switching operations are performed in response to respective commands, which may include voice or other commands. In preferred embodiments, only one of the communication links is active at a time. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the communication links may be a non-audio signal. The communication links 130A and 130B may also be established using Bluetooth™ wireless technology. Accordingly, the communication links may be established as a spread spectrum (e.g., 2.4 GHZ spectrum), frequency hopping, full-duplex signals that hop at 1 MHz intervals.
A detailed block diagram of the wireless terminal 120 of Figure 2 is illustrated in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the wireless terminal 120 is illustrated as including a portable housing 121, a keyboard/keypad 150, a display 140, a speaker 160, a microphone 162, a transceiver 124, and a memory 164 that is configured to communicate with a controller 170. The transceiver 124, as illustrated, includes a transmitter circuit 126 and a receiver circuit 128, which, respectively, transmit outgoing radio frequency signals to a base station transceiver (not shown) and receive incoming radio frequency signals from the base station transceiver, via an antenna 122. The radio frequency signals transmitted between the wireless terminal 120 and the base station transceiver may comprise both traffic and control signals (e.g., paging signals/messages for incoming calls), which are used to establish and maintain communication with another remote party or destination. The transceiver 124 may further operate to provide signals to the I/O circuit 148.
Various of the foregoing components of the wireless terminal 120, other than those described further herein, may be included in many conventional wireless terminals and their functionality is generally known to those skilled in the art. It should be further understood, that, as used herein, the term
"wireless terminal" may include a cellular radiotelephone with or without a multi-line display; a Personal Communications System (PCS) terminal that may combine a cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile and data communications capabilities; and a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) that can include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet/intranet access, Web browser, organizer, calendar and/or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.
The controller 170 may include a speech/data processing circuit 176 as well as other functional modules not illustrated in Figure 4 but which will be understood to those of skill in the arts related to wireless communications including both data and voice communication support. The speech/data processing circuit 176 may include components such as demodulators, decoders, interleavers and RF processor circuitry. The controller 170, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller or similar data processing device, may execute program instructions stored in the memory 164, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), electrically erasable programmable read- only memory (EEPROM) or other storage device.
The transceiver 124, the speech/data processing circuit 176 and other components of the wireless terminal 120 may be implemented using a variety of hardware and software elements. For example, operations of the transceiver 124 and/or the speech/data processing circuit 176 may be implemented using special-purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and programmable logic devices such as gate arrays, and/or software or firmware running on a computing device such as a microprocessor, microcontroller or digital signal processor (DSP). Although functions of the transceiver 124 and the other circuits shown in Figure 4 may be integrated in a single device, such as a single ASIC microprocessor, they may also be distributed among several devices. Aspects of these circuits may also be combined in one or more devices, such as an ASIC, DSP, microprocessor or microcontroller. These various implementations may use hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software and are generally referred to herein as "circuits." As described more fully in U.S.
Application Serial No. 10/222,520, filed August 16, 2002, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, a feature use circuit (not shown), which may be disposed within the controller 170 of the wireless terminal 120, can be configured to collect telemetry data 166 for the wireless terminal 120. The telemetry data 166 stored within the memory 164 is typically collected during normal operation of the wireless terminal 120. The telemetry data 166 collected may include feature telemetry data, for example, ring tones, or performance telemetry data, for example, signal strength.
The wireless terminal 120 may also include a voice recognition device 147 that communicates with the controller 170. This voice recognition device
147, which typically includes both hardware and software components, may be configured to detect and process voice commands detected by the wireless terminal 120. The voice recognition device 147 may designed using conventional design techniques that are well known to those skilled in the art of voice recognition and signal processing. A Bluetooth™ chip set 146 is also provided within the wireless terminal
120. This chip set 146, which communicates with and is controlled by the controller 170, supports bidirectional wireless audio communication links with the headset 100 and handsfree accessory 110, as described herein. As will be understood by those skilled in Bluetooth™ and related technologies, the headset 100 and handsfree accessory 110 are also equipped with corresponding Bluetooth™ technology components. In alternative embodiments, conventional technologies other than Bluetooth™ technology may be implemented to establish the communication links illustrated by Figure 2. Accordingly, as illustrated and described above with respect to Figures
2 and 4, wireless communication systems according to some preferred embodiments include a wireless terminal 120. This terminal 120 is configured to support private and conference calling in a handsfree environment, such as a vehicle environment. In particular, the wireless terminal 120 may be configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based user headset 100 and a vehicle-based hands free accessory 110, such as a conference accessory. The wireless terminal 120 operates as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130A from the headset 100 to the conference accessory. This transfer operation may be made in response to a first command, such as a voice command received by the voice recognition device 147. This first command may also be entered into the wireless terminal 120 using conventional techniques (e.g., input via keypad entry using a menu-based display or a switch contact on the housing 121). The wireless terminal 120 is further configured to support uninterrupted return of a wireless audio communication link 130B from the conference accessory to the headset 100. This return operation may be made in response to a second command, which may also be a voice command or other type of command.
Still further embodiments include a wireless terminal 120 that is configured to support wireless communication with first and second handsfree
(or handheld) accessories 110. In these embodiments, the wireless terminal operates as a switching node that is configured to generate an outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the first accessory and simultaneously generate an alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link from the wireless terminal to the second accessory. This alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link may be a format that is compatible with devices that do not generate acoustic signals. For example, devices such as printers, displays, or other devices that support communication with a hearing-impaired member of a conference call may be used as a handsfree accessory. Other configurations are also possible.
The devices of Figures 2 and 4 may also be utilized to conduct a vehicle-based conference call with a remote call recipient (not shown). As illustrated by Figure 3, methods 200 according to embodiments of the present invention may include activating a wireless terminal within a vehicle, Block
210, and establishing a call from a wireless terminal to the call recipient, Block 220. These methods also include conducting a private conversation with the remote call recipient using a vehicle-based headset that communicates with a wireless terminal using a bidirectional wireless audio communication link, Block 230. An operation is then performed to switch from the private conversation to a public conference with the call recipient. This is done by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to a vehicle-based handsfree conference accessory, using the wireless terminal as a switching node, Block 240. This redirecting operation is preferably performed in response to a command and without interruption of the ongoing call with the recipient. Next, an operation is performed to return to the private conversation by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset, again without interruption, Block 250. This operation to redirect the communication link is also performed in response to a command. Referring again to FIG. 4, the controller 170 within the wireless terminal
120 may operate in accordance with programmed call priorities between the various handsfree accessories (see, e.g., 100 and 110). In particular, the wireless terminal 120 may be configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with accessories having different call priorities. In this case, the controller 170 may include a communication control circuit that is configured to at least periodically monitor the active/inactive states of all the accessories and maintain communication with whatever active accessory has the highest call priority. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the headset 100 has a higher call priority relative to the handsfree accessory 110. This monitoring of the state of the highest priority accessory may be performed using components of the Bluetooth™ chip set 146 that can detect when the headset 100 has been turned "on" and "off'. The control circuit is further configured to automatically switch an active bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130A from the headset 100 to the handsfree accessory 110 upon detection that the headset 100 has been turned off. The control circuit is also configured to automatically switch the active bidirectional wireless audio communication link 130B from the handsfree accessory 110 to the headset 100 upon detection that the headset 100 has been turned on. In this manner, it is not necessary for the driver of the vehicle to generate a voice command that can be detected over the conversation within the vehicle or manually access the wireless terminal 120 in order to have it switch back and forth from one audio accessory to another audio accessory. The communication control circuit may be coupled to programmable storage elements (e.g., memory 164) that are configured to retain the call priorities and enable reordering of the high-to-low call priority hierarchy, if necessary. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based user headset and a vehicle-based conference accessory, said wireless terminal operating as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to the conference accessory, in response to a first command.
2. The system of Claim 1 , wherein said wireless terminal is further configured to support uninterrupted return of the first wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset, in response to a second command.
3. The system of Claim 2, wherein the first and second commands are voice commands.
4. The system of Claim 1 , wherein said wireless terminal is selected from a group consisting of a cellular telephones, PCS handsets and PDAs.
5. The system of Claim 1 , wherein said wireless terminal is configured so that the first command may be entered into said wireless terminal using a keypad and menu-based display.
6. The system of Claim 1 , wherein the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link is a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal.
7. A wireless communication system for private and conference calling, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a handsfree accessory and a conference accessory, said wireless terminal operating as a switching node that is configured to convert a first bidirectional wireless audio communication link between said wireless terminal and the handsfree accessory into a second bidirectional wireless audio communication link between said wireless terminal and the conference accessory, in response to a first command.
8. The system of Claim 7, wherein said wireless terminal is further configured to terminate the second bidirectional wireless audio communication link and reestablish the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link, in response to a second command.
9. The system of Claim 8, wherein the first and second commands are voice commands.
10. The system of Claim 7, wherein said wireless terminal is selected from a group consisting of a cellular telephones, PCS handsets and PDAs.
11. The system of Claim 7, wherein said wireless terminal is configured so that the first command may be entered into said wireless terminal using a keypad and menu-based display.
12. The system of Claim 7, wherein the first and second bidirectional wireless audio communication links are spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signals.
13. A wireless communication system, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support wireless communication with first and second handsfree or handheld accessories, said wireless terminal operating as a switching node that is configured to generate an outgoing first wireless communication link from said wireless terminal to the first accessory while simultaneously generating an alternative format version of the outgoing first wireless communication link from said wireless terminal to the second accessory, in response to a first command.
14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the outgoing first wireless communication link is a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal.
15. A wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a vehicle-based handsfree accessory and a vehicle-based conference accessory, said wireless terminal operating as a switching node that is configured to support uninterrupted transfer of an already established first bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the handsfree accessory to the conference accessory, in response to a first command.
16. The system of Claim 15, wherein the first bidirectional wireless audio communication link is a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full- duplex signal.
17. The system of Claim 16, wherein the full-duplex signal hops at 1 MHz intervals.
18. A wireless communication system for private and conference calling, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless communication with a first handsfree accessory and a second handsfree accessory, said wireless terminal operating as a switching node that is configured to convert a first bidirectional wireless communication link between said wireless terminal and the first handsfree accessory into a second bidirectional wireless communication link between said wireless terminal and the second handsfree accessory, in response to a first command.
19. The system of Claim 18, wherein said wireless terminal is further configured to terminate the second bidirectional wireless communication link and reestablish the first bidirectional wireless communication link, in response to a second command.
20. The system of Claim 19, wherein the first and second commands are voice commands.
21. The system of Claim 18, wherein said wireless terminal is selected from a group consisting of a cellular telephones, PCS handsets and PDAs.
22. The system of Claim 18, wherein said wireless terminal is configured so that the first command may be entered into said wireless terminal using a keypad and menu-based display.
23. The system of Claim 18, wherein the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links are spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full- duplex signals.
24. The system of Claim 23, wherein at least one of the first and second bidirectional communication links are non-audio data links.
25. A method of conducting a vehicle-based conference call with a remote call recipient, comprising the steps of: conducting a private conversation with the remote call recipient using a vehicle-based headset that communicates with a wireless terminal using a bidirectional wireless audio communication link; switching from the private conversation to a public conference with the remote call recipient by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the headset to a vehicle-based handsfree conference accessory without interruption; and returning to the private conversation by redirecting the bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the conference accessory to the headset without interruption.
26. The method of Claim 25, wherein the bidirectional wireless audio communication link is a spread spectrum, frequency hopping, full-duplex signal.
27. The method of Claim 25, wherein said switching and returning steps are performing in response to respective voice commands.
28. A wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support bidirectional wireless audio communication with a plurality of vehicle-based audio accessories having different call priorities, said wireless terminal comprising a communication control circuit that is configured to at least periodically monitor an active/inactive state of a first one of the plurality of audio accessories having a highest call priority and is further configured to automatically switch an active bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the first one of the plurality of audio accessories to a second one of the plurality of audio accessories having a next highest call priority upon detection that the first one of the plurality of audio accessories has become inactive.
29. The system of Claim 28, wherein the communication control circuit is further configured to automatically switch an active bidirectional wireless audio communication link from the second one of the plurality of audio accessories to the first one of the plurality of audio accessories upon detection that the first one of the plurality of audio accessories has become active.
30. The system of Claim 29, wherein the first one of the plurality of audio accessories is a vehicle-based headset and the second one of the plurality of audio accessories is vehicle-based conference accessory.
31. The system of Claim 29, wherein the first one of the plurality of audio accessories is a vehicle-based conference accessory and the second one of the plurality of audio accessories is vehicle-based headset.
32. The system of Claim 29, wherein the communication control circuit comprises programmable storage elements that are configured to retain the call priorities.
33. A wireless communication system, comprising: a wireless terminal that is configured to support wireless communication with a plurality of accessories having different priorities, said wireless terminal comprising a communication control circuit that is configured to detect an active-to-inactive transition of a first one of the plurality of accessories having a highest priority and is further configured to automatically switch an active wireless communication link from the first one of the plurality of accessories to a second one of the plurality of accessories having a next highest priority upon detection of the active-to-inactive transition.
34. The system of Claim 33, wherein the communication control circuit is configured to detect an inactive-to-active transition of the first one of the plurality of accessories and is further configured to automatically switch the active wireless communication link from the second one of the plurality of accessories to the first one of the plurality of accessories upon detection of the inactive-to-active transition.
EP04702016A 2003-03-04 2004-01-14 Wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling and method therefore Withdrawn EP1602224A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/378,959 US20040198464A1 (en) 2003-03-04 2003-03-04 Wireless communication systems for vehicle-based private and conference calling and methods of operating same
US378959 2003-03-04
PCT/IB2004/000125 WO2004080043A1 (en) 2003-03-04 2004-01-14 Wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling and method therefore

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1602224A1 true EP1602224A1 (en) 2005-12-07

Family

ID=32961258

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04702016A Withdrawn EP1602224A1 (en) 2003-03-04 2004-01-14 Wireless communication system for vehicle-based private and conference calling and method therefore

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20040198464A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1602224A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006519562A (en)
CN (1) CN1757224A (en)
WO (1) WO2004080043A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030114147A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Goss Stephen C. Hold service on wireless calls
DE10201068A1 (en) * 2002-01-14 2003-07-31 Siemens Audiologische Technik Selection of communication connections for hearing aids
JP2004236117A (en) * 2003-01-31 2004-08-19 Toshiba Corp Communication device
US20070015537A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Scosche Industries, Inc. Wireless Hands-Free Audio Kit for Vehicle
DE102005038722B4 (en) 2005-08-15 2007-11-29 Bury Sp.Z.O.O Handsfree for a mobile phone
US8266535B2 (en) 2006-09-11 2012-09-11 Broadnet Teleservices, Llc Teleforum apparatus and method
US20080070516A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2008-03-20 Plantronics, Inc. Audio data streaming with auto switching between wireless headset and speakers
US8068925B2 (en) 2007-06-28 2011-11-29 Apple Inc. Dynamic routing of audio among multiple audio devices
KR101394283B1 (en) * 2007-09-27 2014-05-13 삼성전자주식회사 Portable terminal having bluetooth module and method for bluetooth communication thereof
JP4571198B2 (en) * 2008-03-07 2010-10-27 京セラ株式会社 Mobile communication terminal
KR100931810B1 (en) * 2008-07-18 2009-12-14 현대자동차주식회사 Method for switching telematics communication
JP5245894B2 (en) * 2009-02-16 2013-07-24 富士通モバイルコミュニケーションズ株式会社 Mobile communication device
US8140116B2 (en) * 2009-03-06 2012-03-20 Apple Inc. Duplex audio for mobile communication device and accessory
JP2012204845A (en) * 2011-03-23 2012-10-22 Denso Corp Hands-free communication device
WO2014075301A1 (en) 2012-11-16 2014-05-22 华为终端有限公司 Method, mobile terminal, bluetooth device and system for establishing bluetooth connection
US20140170979A1 (en) * 2012-12-17 2014-06-19 Qualcomm Incorporated Contextual power saving in bluetooth audio
US10119864B2 (en) 2014-03-11 2018-11-06 Google Technology Holdings LLC Display viewing detection
US9924011B2 (en) * 2014-08-29 2018-03-20 Hyundai Motor Company Manual bluetooth hands free transfer mode
US9412379B2 (en) * 2014-09-16 2016-08-09 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Method for initiating a wireless communication link using voice recognition
US9924010B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-03-20 Apple Inc. Audio data routing between multiple wirelessly connected devices
US10367540B1 (en) 2018-02-20 2019-07-30 Cypress Semiconductor Corporation System and methods for low power consumption by a wireless sensor device

Family Cites Families (69)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US704713A (en) * 1901-01-17 1902-07-15 Mathias J Klein Explosive-engine.
US1603173A (en) * 1924-12-06 1926-10-12 Miller Improved Gas Engine Com Internal-combustion engine
US1972409A (en) * 1932-04-07 1934-09-04 Max S Petersen Two-cycle internal combustion engine
US2056056A (en) * 1932-10-11 1936-09-29 Stearns Frank Ballou Engine cylinder
US2076334A (en) * 1934-04-16 1937-04-06 Earl A Burns Diesel engine
US2169807A (en) * 1938-03-04 1939-08-15 George R Lyon Compressor
US2244323A (en) * 1938-12-30 1941-06-03 Fairbanks Morse & Co Internal combustion engine
US2417910A (en) * 1942-06-20 1947-03-25 Robert D Bruegger Internal-combustion engine
US2374460A (en) * 1942-08-17 1945-04-24 Allen M Rossman Internal-combustion engine
US2398980A (en) * 1943-04-08 1946-04-23 Schweizerische Lokomotiv Opposed piston two-cycle engine
DE863870C (en) * 1944-06-07 1953-01-19 Sulzer Ag Opposed piston internal combustion engine with cooled liners inserted in their cylinders
US2463308A (en) * 1946-06-03 1949-03-01 Fernando G Prieto Multiple opposed piston propulsive engine
US2486185A (en) * 1946-09-25 1949-10-25 Mallory Res Co Opposed piston internal-combustion engine
US2435361A (en) * 1946-12-26 1948-02-03 Mallory Marion Multiple piston engine, opposed, separate air and fuel supply
US2776649A (en) * 1953-05-13 1957-01-08 Merrell R Fenske Two cycle fuel injection, opposed piston, thrust plate internal combustion engine
US3023743A (en) * 1957-11-12 1962-03-06 Jr George A Schauer Engine construction
US3117566A (en) * 1960-05-27 1964-01-14 Thomas B Danckwortt Port-controlled, opposed-piston, two-cycle internal-combustion engine
US3209736A (en) * 1964-01-14 1965-10-05 Southwest Res Inst Engine
US3384057A (en) * 1966-12-29 1968-05-21 Henry S. Boone Opposed piston engine
US3528394A (en) * 1968-02-08 1970-09-15 Clessie L Cummins Internal combustion engine
US3534715A (en) * 1968-12-31 1970-10-20 Fairbanks Morse Inc Opposed piston engine having improved cylinder liner cooling
BE786418A (en) * 1972-07-18 1972-11-16 Dutry Jean E INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.
US4010611A (en) * 1974-12-17 1977-03-08 Zachery James E Compression-expansion power device
AU497643B2 (en) * 1975-06-23 1978-12-21 F Kaye Internal combustion engine
US4030471A (en) * 1975-10-29 1977-06-21 Frank Ginkel Opposed piston engine
FR2459367A1 (en) * 1979-06-19 1981-01-09 Barret Paul ASYMMETRIC INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
GB8404159D0 (en) * 1984-02-17 1984-03-21 Sophocles Papanicolacu J P Ic engine
JPS6182541A (en) * 1984-09-28 1986-04-26 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Automobile telephone device
GB2211581B (en) * 1987-11-06 1991-11-06 Ind Tech Res Inst A lubricating device for two-stroke engine
US4876712A (en) * 1988-12-09 1989-10-24 Electronics, Inc. Programmable telephone amplifier circuit interface
US4972457A (en) * 1989-01-19 1990-11-20 Spectrum Information Technologies, Inc. Portable hybrid communication system and methods
US5058537A (en) * 1989-04-21 1991-10-22 Paul Marius A Optimized high pressure internal combustion engines
US5109402A (en) * 1989-09-13 1992-04-28 Novatel Communications, Ltd. Bus for a cellular telephone
US5042441A (en) * 1989-10-03 1991-08-27 Paul Marius A Low emission combustion system for internal combustion engines
US5054051A (en) * 1990-01-31 1991-10-01 At&E Corporation Autodial from database in an electronic wristwatch
US5213067A (en) * 1991-12-19 1993-05-25 Kramer Louis E Internal combustion engine
JP3508776B2 (en) * 1993-01-14 2004-03-22 ソニー株式会社 Transceiver
US5557653A (en) * 1993-07-27 1996-09-17 Spectralink Corporation Headset for hands-free wireless telephone
US5375573A (en) * 1993-09-09 1994-12-27 Ford Motor Company Lubrication of two-stroke internal combustion engines
FI940049A0 (en) * 1994-01-05 1994-01-05 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Anordning Foer anpassning av signalnivaon i en mobil telefon
EP0781901A1 (en) * 1995-12-29 1997-07-02 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Lubrication arrangement for engines
DE19633167A1 (en) * 1996-08-17 1998-02-19 Porsche Ag Spray nozzle for the piston cooling of an internal combustion engine
FI111674B (en) * 1996-10-31 2003-08-29 Nokia Corp The user interface
US6039011A (en) * 1997-03-05 2000-03-21 The American University Of Baku Internal combustion engine with opposed pistons
JP3661341B2 (en) * 1997-03-24 2005-06-15 ブラザー工業株式会社 Communication device
US5826556A (en) * 1997-04-24 1998-10-27 Brunswick Corporation Engine lubrication circuit with alternating lubrication paths
GB2327555B (en) * 1997-07-16 2002-07-17 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Radio telephone
JP3324980B2 (en) * 1998-02-20 2002-09-17 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Assembling method of piston ring structure
SE9800697L (en) * 1998-03-05 1999-09-06 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Method and apparatus for wireless communication
US6182619B1 (en) * 1998-12-24 2001-02-06 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Two-stroke diesel engine
SE525728C2 (en) * 1999-01-27 2005-04-12 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M Portable telecommunications device for multiple audio accessories
US6448906B1 (en) * 1999-10-27 2002-09-10 Intel Corporation Wireless detection of electronic devices
US6257180B1 (en) * 1999-11-08 2001-07-10 Jeffrey F. Klein Forced coaxially ventilated two stroke power plant
US6339706B1 (en) * 1999-11-12 2002-01-15 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Wireless voice-activated remote control device
US6405027B1 (en) * 1999-12-08 2002-06-11 Philips Electronics N.A. Corporation Group call for a wireless mobile communication device using bluetooth
US6255800B1 (en) * 2000-01-03 2001-07-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Bluetooth enabled mobile device charging cradle and system
JP4458600B2 (en) * 2000-01-17 2010-04-28 本田技研工業株式会社 Piston oil cooling system for engine
US6305334B1 (en) * 2000-01-28 2001-10-23 Leonhard E. Schuko Internal combustion engine
US6418885B1 (en) * 2000-03-17 2002-07-16 Marius A. Paul Total energy general optimized engine cycle
US6326926B1 (en) * 2000-05-18 2001-12-04 Telxon Corporation Method of operating a wireless and a short-range wireless connection in the same frequency
DE10045725B4 (en) * 2000-09-15 2005-05-04 Wacker Construction Equipment Ag Two-stroke engine with oil lubrication
US6799062B1 (en) * 2000-10-19 2004-09-28 Motorola Inc. Full-duplex hands-free transparency circuit and method therefor
US20020068610A1 (en) * 2000-12-05 2002-06-06 Anvekar Dinesh Kashinath Method and apparatus for selecting source device and content delivery via wireless connection
US6820055B2 (en) * 2001-04-26 2004-11-16 Speche Communications Systems and methods for automated audio transcription, translation, and transfer with text display software for manipulating the text
US6687517B2 (en) * 2001-05-16 2004-02-03 Nokia Corporation Hands-free operation of mobile terminal using wireless communication link
US6778073B2 (en) * 2001-06-26 2004-08-17 Medius, Inc. Method and apparatus for managing audio devices
JP2003047066A (en) * 2001-08-02 2003-02-14 Kenwood Corp Mobile telephone, hands-free system using the same and car audio capable of making radio communication therewith
US6690956B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2004-02-10 Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation System and method for enabling safe hands-free operation of a wireless telephone in a vehicle
US6662762B2 (en) * 2002-02-14 2003-12-16 Leonhard Schuko Balanced five cycle engine with shortened axial extent

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004080043A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2006519562A (en) 2006-08-24
CN1757224A (en) 2006-04-05
WO2004080043A1 (en) 2004-09-16
US20040198464A1 (en) 2004-10-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20040198464A1 (en) Wireless communication systems for vehicle-based private and conference calling and methods of operating same
US20030191646A1 (en) Method of setting voice processing parameters in a communication device
AU746816B2 (en) Apparatus and method for mobile communications
US20040192406A1 (en) Antenna circuit and wireless communication device
US7336933B2 (en) Method of maintaining communication with a device
US20130033805A1 (en) Base unit adapted to provide a communications connection as well as a method of providing a communications connection
WO2007129230A2 (en) Method and apparatus for routing content for a mobile phone over an alternative wireless network
JP2001339485A (en) Fixed network telephone set capable of being used in common to portable telephone
WO2008131806A1 (en) Caller screening and routing to voicemail
KR100440925B1 (en) Apparatus for transfering busy signal between external mobile phone and internal terminal of telematics system
JPH09107328A (en) Cordless key telephone system
KR200212970Y1 (en) Apparatus for selective terminal calling using caller ID in codeless phone
JP2000349871A (en) Composite portable phone
JP2001196997A (en) Portable phone
JP2007174441A (en) Hands-free kit system
JP2737860B2 (en) Cordless telephone
KR940017282A (en) Keypad-detachable mobile phone and its calling method
JPH08116301A (en) Personal handy phone system
JP3308067B2 (en) Cordless telephone
JPH11150760A (en) Personal handy phone system land mobile station
KR20010009102A (en) Method for performing speaker phone in wireless telephone
JP2000134356A (en) Line selector
KR20000055309A (en) a method for controlling the mobil communication terminal device with a speaker for hand- free
JP2005333329A (en) Telephone
JP3716137B2 (en) Composite mobile communication terminal and in-vehicle hands-free system using the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20050929

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: PANIAN, JIM

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20110906

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20110802